Standard Interactive Drive Control System with GS mode and High Performance Strut (HiPer Strut) front suspension design on Regal GS (IDCS available on Regal Turbo)

E85 FlexFuel capability on standard 2.4L Ecotec four-cylinder engine

Standard Buick IntelliLink (later availability) uses Bluetooth or USB to connect the driver’s smartphone to a seven-inch, high-resolution, full-color touch screen display radio that enables streaming stereo audio from the phone through services like PANDORA® Internet Radio and Stitcher SmartRadio®

The Buick Regal luxury sport sedan’s driving experience stacks up with the best imports in the segment for a good reason: All Regal models balance dynamic ride and handling and responsive power without sacrificing fuel economy. Whether it’s higher performance or better fuel economy, the 2012 Regal offers consumers more choices and more value than its competitors.

Regal with eAssist: The Buick Regal with available eAssist™ fuel-saving technology – all-new for 2012 – gives customers the best of both worlds: a premium, no-apologies driving experience with EPA fuel economy of 25 mpg city/36 mpg highway.

Mated to Regal’s 2.4L Ecotec direct injection four-cylinder engine and next-generation six-speed automatic transmission, the eAssist system uses power stored in the lithium-ion battery to provide needed electrical boost in various driving situations, optimizing engine and transmission operation. Combined with the vehicle’s regenerative braking capability, the eAssist system increases combined city/highway fuel economy more than 25 percent over the standard four-cylinder/six-speed powertrain.

Regal GS: The Regal GS blends a 270-horsepower (201 kW) high-output Ecotec 2.0L turbo engine, six-speed manual transmission, responsive Interactive Drive Control System suspension technology, four-piston Brembo front calipers and aggressive styling into a powerful and spirited performance touring sedan. The Regal GS 2.0L Turbo delivers the highest specific output of any production engine GM has offered, and at 135 hp per liter, it is the most power-dense engine ever certified by SAE.

The engine also produces more torque than the Acura TSX V-6, Audi A4, Lexus IS 250 and IS 350, Infiniti G25 and G37, and Volvo S60.

A six-speed automatic transmission will be offered later in the model year.

More Regal news for 2012

Regal’s standard 2.4L Ecotec four-cylinder engine adds FlexFuel capability, meaning it can operate on regular unleaded fuel, E85 ethanol or any combination of both. E85 is a North America-produced biofuel that helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions as well as petroleum use.

Buick IntelliLink is standard on the Regal, and will roll out later in the year. It uses Bluetooth or USB to connect the driver’s smart phone to a new high-resolution, full-color touch screen display radio. IntelliLink expands on Buick’s current Bluetooth and USB capabilities to allow smart phone control via voice activation and steering wheel-mounted controls. It also enables streaming stereo audio from the phone through services such as PANDORA® Internet radio and Stitcher SmartRadio®.

In addition to making it easier for Buick customers to customize their music, Buick IntelliLink seamlessly integrates portable devices while they are safely stowed, allowing drivers to keep their hands on the wheel and eyes on the road.

IntelliLink complements the safety, security and connectivity services of OnStar, also standard on all Regal models. With a simple button touch, voice command or via an app downloadable for certain smartphones, Regal owners can access popular OnStar services such as Turn-by-Turn navigation and Destination Download, hands-free calling, remote door unlock, vehicle diagnostics, emergency assistance and much more.

Regal design

The Regal’s flowing silhouette and coupe-like proportions suggest motion from all angles.

Attention to detail complements the Regal’s bold styling, with Buick design cues such as the waterfall grille, select use of chrome trim and excellent fit and finish of the exterior panels. For 2012, Buick’s signature portholes return, but to the hood instead of the front fenders, and all Regal models will sport a black chrome grille.

Short rear deck and tucked-in body panels are characteristic of a contemporary sport sedan. Bold taillamps and intricate lighting elements underscore the car’s attention to detail.

Regal GS features unique front and rear fascias, with the front fascia incorporating prominent, vertical air intake slots. The rear fascia has a pair of integrated, satin-metallic trapezoidal exhaust outlets. Rocker panel extensions and a rear spoiler extension are also featured.

The feeling of flow and motion extends inside the car, where side panels flow uninterrupted into the instrument panel.

Gauges and controls have the look of expensive sport timepieces and are lit with ice-blue LED lights.

The center stack was designed to allow for a lower instrument panel profile more inviting to drivers.

Firm, highly bolstered seats were benchmarked against the top import competitors for comfort and support.

Additional options include audio system with touch screen navigation, SD card reader and multi-function controller, and a tilt-sliding power sunroof.

Chassis and suspension

The Regal’s chassis and structural systems were developed globally and they give the Regal the handling and dynamics of a luxury, import sport sedan with the quiet, refined ride expected of a Buick.

Regal’s Interactive Drive Control System chassis technology (available on 2.0L Turbo model and standard on GS) is designed to change the personality of the car based on the driver’s preference. One of the most rigid body structures in the segment supports more precise suspension tuning and a quieter ride. Additional features include:

Latest-generation electronic stability control (StabiliTrak), anti-lock brake system (ABS) and traction control system (TCS) are standard.

Interactive Drive Control

Buick’s Interactive Drive Control System is available on the Regal Turbo and standard on Regal GS, and adapts damping and other driving functions to drivers’ preferences. It includes 19-inch wheels. While the Regal Turbo offers Interactive Drive Control with the choice of a standard adaptive setting, a more comfortable Tour mode and a Sport mode, the system in the Regal GS is deliberately tuned for those who enjoy a higher level of performance:

GS (exclusive to Regal GS): Readies the car for dynamic, enthusiast- level driving. Increased steering efforts provide more direct feedback to the driver, while increased damping levels ensure ultimate wheel control and reduced body roll for ultimate agility. GS mode will also alter the shift feel on an automatic transmission.

Efficient, proven powertrains

The Regal relies on the excellent horsepower-per-liter ratio of the four-cylinder Ecotec engine family to deliver smart, on-demand performance that is also very efficient.

The standard 2.4L engine and the available 2.0L turbo use direct injection technology to optimize performance, reduce emissions and maximize fuel efficiency. On the Regal Sport Sedan and Turbo, these engines are also flex-fuel capable and can run on E85 ethanol, gasoline or any combination of the two.

The 2.0L turbo, responsible for the Regal Turbo’s 220 horsepower (164 kW) and 260 lb-ft (353 Nm) of torque, provides on-demand power comparable to a V-6, but with the efficiency of a four-cylinder, at an estimated 32 mpg highway with the available six-speed manual transmission. A high-output version of the 2.0L turbo makes 270 horsepower (201 kW) in the Regal GS, while still delivering 27 mpg highway when paired with the standard six-speed manual.

The 2.0L Turbo in the GS delivers the highest specific output of any production engine GM has offered.

Six-speed automatic transmissions are paired with each engine (later availability for GS). Both offer driver shift control that enhance the sporty driving feel. A six-speed manual transmission is available at no charge on Regal Turbo and standard on Regal GS.

Safety and crash-avoidance features

Regal offers standard and available safety features designed to protect occupants before, during and after a crash. Safety-enhancing features include:

Six standard air bags including dual-stage frontal and side-impact air bags. Rear-seat thorax side-impact air bags are optional. Regal GS is equipped with eight standard air bags, including rear-seat thorax side-impact air bags.

Three-point safety belts in all seating positions and air bag passenger sensing system to detect the presence of a small adult or child in the front passenger seat.

All Regal models are equipped with segment-exclusive OnStar technology, which includes the Advanced Crash Response System, emergency assistance, remote vehicle diagnostics, six months of the Directions and Connections plan for route guidance support and OnStar RemoteLink.

OnStar RemoteLink allows Regal owners with certain smartphones to download an app to start the vehicle remotely, as well as get information on the fuel tank's level and range, the remaining oil life, current and recommended tire pressure, and lifetime average miles per gallon. In addition, users can access the current odometer reading, vehicle ID (VIN) and OnStar account number, plus call a dedicated representative for advice or assistance.

Other OnStar services:

The Advanced Crash Response System uses vehicle sensors, GPS and digital cellular phone technology to summon emergency responders to a crash scene even when the vehicle’s occupants are unable to do so.